Lightning News

Connor Bruseski Honored As Lightning Community Hero

The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Connor Bruseski as the 13th Lightning Community Hero of the year this afternoon at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. Bruseski, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, will donate the money to the All Children's Hospital and the Children's Dream Fund.

Bruseski learned that he had Lymphoma when he was only six years old, but soon after, was determined to help improve the lives of other children suffering from cancer. To raise money for the fight against cancer, Connor designed 2,000 "Friends of Connor" wristbands which he sold in return for $5 donation. Within 90 days he raised over $14,000 for children suffering from pediatric oncology diseases.

Bruseski's first distribution was a gift of $5,000 to the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at All Children's Hospital. Patients of the center are children of all ages who are fighting cancer, from brain tumors to leukemia. His donation helped ensure that each child, whether taking chemo therapy or undergoing a bone marrow transplant, would have access to the specialized care All Children's Hospital offers. Despite battling on the road to recovery, Connor has made it his mission to give back, uniting his family, friends and community along the way.